Paws hit the pavement —The Escondido Humane Society will host a community walk at its 14th annual Paws in the Park fundraiser on March 24 at the Kit Carson Park, 3333 Bear Valley Parkway in Escondido. Festivities will begin at 8 a.m., and paws will hit the pavement at 9 a.m. along a 1.5- or 2.5-mile course. A post-walk celebration will begin at 10:15 a.m. with activities for the whole family. The first 1,000 walkers will also receive a goodie bag, and all walkers will receive incentive prizes based on dollars raised for the humane society.

NEW gardening techniques — Weidner’s Gardens will host an Herb & Vegetable Festival from March 23-24 at its gardens located at 695 Normandy Road in Encinitas. Local tomato-grafting expert Nicole Jackson will be on hand at 3 p.m. on both days to describe the technique. Other free seminars include a cooking class with master gardener Mary Klibs at 11 a.m. and a session on organic vegetable gardening at 2 p.m. on both days. For more information on the free festival, contact Evelyn Weidner at (760) 436-2196 or visit www.weidners.com.

World’s largest blooming plant — In the foothills of Sierra Madre is the Guinness Book-certified world’s largest flowering plant. Each year, the Wistaria Vine Festival on March 17 celebrates the massive wistaria vine by bringing together the work of nearly 150 juried artisans and craftsman, dynamite musicians and food and drink in the village’s downtown area. Guests can browse art and other gift items at the festival’s 150 booths. The La Jolla Community Center is hosting a trip to the festival for $45 for members and $65 for nonmembers. Transportation will leave from the center, located at 6811 La Jolla Blvd., at 8 a.m. and return at 6 p.m. To register, visit www.lajollacommunitycenter.org or call (858) 459-0831.

50 years of surf — The Windansea Surf Club is kicking off its 50th anniversary celebration with a one-of-a-kind rummage sale on March 23 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring an array of surfing items, as well as traditional rummage-sale items. Proceeds from the sale will support the club’s community service projects, including Day at the Beach for underprivileged children and the Menehune Surf Contest for young surfers. The event will take place at the La Jolla Methodist Church, 6063 La Jolla Blvd.